mating rites 7

Title: Mating Rites

Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon/
Pairing: Glorfindel / Erestor and Elrond / Legolas
Rating: NC-17
Summary: What happens when Elrond orders Erestor and Glorfindel to participate in the Elven version of Beltane? Elves gather on this night to find a mate, and when they found that certain somebody, they jump over the fire to seal their love. Glorfindel's hand is seized unexpectedly and he is forced to make that jump. Once his feet are safely back on the ground again, he looks into the face of his new mate and is more than just surprised. What more will this night of magic and passion bring?

Disclaimer: These characters are all Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU, fluff, romance.
Author’s Note: All mistakes are all mine; yeah, I am greedy! And remember; this is AU!

Beta read by Jenn and Aduial! Thanks, sweeties!

Mating Rites

“Do not enter yet,” said Glorfindel, restraining Erestor when the dark-haired Elf tried to reach Narwain. “We need to search for clues first.”

Erestor reluctantly nodded his head, though his heart was urging him to see to Narwain’s remains. His assistant must have been busy stacking scrolls when the murderer had sneaked up on him. Narwain’s body had fallen onto the floor face-down and the dagger that was stuck in his neck was clearly visible. The poor Elf must have died instantly, the blade of the dagger severing vital arteries. “Why?” The little word vibrated through the silent study – *his* study.

Glorfindel, who had been examining the body and the victim’s surroundings, looked at his dark-haired lover. “I do not know why yet, but I will find out.” He gestured the remaining guards to leave the room now that the search had come to an end. “Erestor? You can come closer now.”

Erestor immediately advanced on them and then knelt beside his assistant’s fallen form. Tears leaked from his eyes, which were already turning red. His arms trembled when they reached for Narwain. “May I hold him? Please?”

Glorfindel carefully shifted Narwain’s body from his arms into Erestor’s. “Be careful, I did not remove the dagger yet.”

Erestor nodded and cautiously cradled Narwain in his arms. The younger Elf’s facial expression had relaxed in death, but Erestor knew that Narwain’s last moments must have been filled with shock and terror. “He was still so young, Glorfindel. So very young!” Crying openly, he rocked the body in his arms. “Why?”

Glorfindel lowered his eyes, feeling ashamed and guilty that this crime had taken place in his Imladris. He was responsible for their safety, and that included Narwain’s as well. “You should not be asking why, but who.”

Erestor tenderly stroked Narwain’s hair. “Who, then?”

Glorfindel watched Erestor gently rock Narwain, painfully realizing he had misjudged the dark-haired Elf in the past, thinking him cold and distant. Erestor’s dark eyes were full of emotion; sadness, regrets and pain. Looking thoughtfully at Narwain, the warrior tried to figure out why someone would kill the young assistant. Narwain was wearing dark robes, and his long, brown hair was flowing loose, except for that one braid, which Narwain had copied from Erestor’s hair style. Only a few candles had been lit in the study – Erestor’s study. “Was Narwain supposed to be here at this late hour?”

“Nay,” replied Erestor, who was slowly regaining his normal composure. “He was supposed to check the kitchen supplies, but as I was called to replace Elrond at the evening meal, I asked him to handle a few letters that were marked urgent.”

“So, *you* should have been in your study and not Narwain?” Glorfindel didn’t like the conclusion he had reached. Seeing Erestor nod, he added, “In that case I think the murderer mistook him for you. There is only a little light and he could well pass for you.”

Erestor’s eyes widened dramatically. “Are you saying that… that…?”

“That someone wanted to murder you and not Narwain. He was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“He died in my place?” Horrified, Erestor swallowed hard. “But who would want to end my life?” He didn’t have enemies – not that he knew of. “And which Elf would dare slay another?”

Glorfindel slowly shook his head. “No Elf, Erestor. A Man.”

Erestor growled. “The human trader who hit me? But I thought he had been dealt with!”

“He should still be in the holding cells. I need to check on that!” Glorfindel called for one of the guards to enter and told him to check the holding cells. “If he has escaped we know the identity of our murderer!” He should have taken the human to their borders at once, instead of waiting for Elrond’s ruling!

The guard blinked once, seeing the normally distant chief advisor cradling Narwain’s form. He doubted the other guards would believe him when he told them that Erestor had been crying and clinging to the younger Elf’s corpse.

“Now!” Glorfindel bellowed at the guard.

The guard nodded once, shook himself to clear his muses from his mind and left to do his Captain’s bidding.

Erestor carefully placed Narwain’s remains back onto the floor and wiped away his tears. “Do you really think I am the target and not Narwain?”

“I am quite certain it is you.” Glorfindel rose from the floor and headed for the desk, scanning its content. Only letters and a few reports, nothing that warranted a kill. “If my theory is correct it means that you are still in danger. He might try again.”

Erestor rose from the floor as well and joined Glorfindel. Looking him in the eye, he said, “I will be ready for him.”

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. “Aye, you know he might be coming for you and you will be prepared, but I would feel better if you would allow me to assign you a personal guard. I wish I could stay with you the entire time, but my duties will take me away from your side. Until we catch this murderer I do not want you to go anywhere alone.” Erestor’s eyes hardened, making Glorfindel add, “I know you can defend yourself, but why make it easier for this murderer to get to you?”

“Your words are wise, but I do not like the idea of a personal guard.” Erestor eyed Glorfindel carefully. “I would agree to it if it were you, but…”

“And what if I offered you my services?” Legolas had overheard the last part of their conversation and realized Erestor would not give in easily to Glorfindel’s demands, but he was a guest here and Erestor would never be so rude as to deny him. Beside him, Elrond had tensed with fury and following the half-Elf’s gaze, he looked upon Narwain’s remains. He shared Glorfindel’s opinion that no Elf had done this foul deed. It must have been that human trader.

Legolas’ offer took Erestor aback and he stared undecidedly at Elrond, whose face contorted with rage.

“I want this murderer found and brought before me,” decided Elrond in a clipped tone. “And I agree with Legolas. Erestor, you should accept his offer.” His entire being was filled with anger; that such a crime had been perpetrated in his sanctuary was hard to accept. “And if a Man did this he will stand trial.”

Glorfindel bowed. “I will bring him to you.” Looking at Legolas, he continued in a softer tone, “Please keep him safe for me. I would like nothing more than to stay, but I need to find this murderer.”

“He is safe with me,” promised Legolas.

“Legolas is well-trained,” added Elrond, trying to ease Glorfindel’s worries. “He rescued me from that boar, and he will make certain that Erestor is safe.” Even if it meant temporarily taking leave from Legolas, who would be Erestor’s shadow until Glorfindel had found the murderer.

Erestor’s thoughts raced. “I do not wish to go to my quarters tonight now that Glorfindel won’t be at my side. Maybe I can sleep on the couch in your chambers, Elrond?” His request came forth out of the desire to keep Elrond and Legolas from being separated, but there was also truth to his words; he really didn’t want to be alone right now. The fact that Glorfindel believed him in danger and being the real target *did* make him nervous.

“You are more than welcome to stay in my rooms,” said Elrond, shifting to attain a better hold on Legolas, who still kept an arm wrapped around his waist. Privately, he thanked Erestor for that request, because now he didn’t have to part from Legolas yet.

“I will find the murderer and then you will be safe again,” vowed Glorfindel, who leaned in closer to kiss Erestor one last time before joining his second in command, Tharbad, who was already waiting for him in the doorway.

Erestor watched Glorfindel leave with melancholy in his eyes. He wanted the blond to stay, but knew the warrior had his work cut out for him, finding the murderer.

“Come with us,” said Elrond, who shuffled closer to Erestor, still supported by Legolas. “My sons will attend to Narwain’s body.” Gently, he took hold of Erestor’s arm, pulling his friend with him.

Erestor complied after casting a last look at Narwain’s soulless body. “He was so young – his death so unnecessary.”

“We will mourn his death,” said Elrond, reassuringly, “But his fëa long reached the Halls of Waiting. There is nothing we can do except to let him go.”

Erestor nodded once, knowing Elrond’s words to be true, but it would take him some time to set Narwain free, knowing the younger Elf had died because of him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel marched through the corridors and raged when he found the holding cell that should be containing the human trader empty. The lock had been forced and the door stood wide open. “Spread out and search every corner! I want him found! Now!”

Tharbad came to stand beside his Captain. “I do not know how this is possible! The last time I checked the door was locked!”

“I do not require an explanation at this time. I need the Man found. So join the guards in their search!” Glorfindel sounded harsh and he chided himself for losing his control so openly, but he worried about Erestor. One Elf had already died and he didn’t want to find Erestor dead as well.

“Of course, sir!” Tharbad quickly hurried to carry out Glorfindel’s orders.

“Oh, damn it!” Glorfindel slammed his fist against the wall and then cradled the abused limb when pain rose in his wrist. He took this very personally. He was in charge of their safety and he had failed – but he vowed to not fail again!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I will be comfortable here,” said Erestor, sitting down on Elrond’s luxurious couch. “You do not have to stay with me.”

But Legolas shook his head. “I gave Glorfindel my word that I would guard you and guard you I will!”

“But…” Erestor exchanged a quick look with Elrond, “do you not want to spend time with Elrond instead?” To his surprise, his remark made the half-Elf blush.

“Do not worry yourself about that. I need to write a letter anyway. Legolas, would you be so kind as to help me over to my desk?” He hated having to ask for help, but didn’t want to trip and take a fall, which would only worsen his injury.

“But of course.” Legolas supported Elrond as they made their way over to the desk. He even fetched parchment, quill and ink for the half-Elf. He couldn’t help wondering though who Elrond would want to write at this late, troubled hour.

“I need to inform Thranduil,” said Elrond, correctly interpreting Legolas’ puzzled expression. “Before we go any further he needs to agree to this.”

Erestor arched an eyebrow and continued to listen.

“We cannot continue without his permission, Legolas.” Elrond saw the surprised look in Legolas’ eyes, and explained, “We cannot build a relationship that is based on lies and deception.”

“And what if my father says no?”

“Then we will have to decide if our love is strong enough to continue. Knowing Thranduil he will disown you and call you his son no longer. You will have to decide if our love is worth all that.” Elrond smiled, reassuringly. “Maybe he will change his mind when he realizes how strong such an alliance would make Mirkwood. I will point out to him that a marriage would bind Imladris and Mirkwood in a way no treaty can. I will try to be quite the diplomat in this matter.”

“I put my trust in you,” said Legolas, bending forward to kiss Elrond’s lips. A soft sigh escaped Elrond, and taking this as encouragement, Legolas buried his fingers in the dark hair. “Just do not stop kissing me whilst we wait for my father’s reply. Weeks will pass before his answer will reach us.” Erestor’s quiet chuckling made Legolas look at the advisor. “Do you find this amusing?”

“Aye, though amusing is not the right word. Endearing would fit better.”

“And why is that?” Legolas left Elrond to writing his letter and joined Erestor on the couch, studying the dark-haired Elf.

“I always hoped someone would reach Elrond’s heart, but I almost gave up hope,” explained Erestor. “Elrond is a treasure, Legolas, and should be loved properly – with respect.”

Legolas’ eyes narrowed minutely. There was something to Erestor’s tone that alerted him. “And you know this because…?”

Oops, Erestor blushed deeply. Ashamed and embarrassed, he locked gazes with Elrond. “It was never my intention that…”

Elrond cut Erestor short by raising his right hand in an authoritative manner. “Legolas, Erestor knows because he is a very good friend, who I grew close to when my wife left for Aman. I was alone and depressed.”

Legolas cocked his head and looked Elrond in the eye. “And this happened…?”

“Centuries ago. Erestor kept me from fading.” Elrond knew Legolas would accept this.

Legolas nodded once. “I take it that none of these feelings still linger?”

Erestor shook his head firmly. “I fell in love with Glorfindel many years ago. Elrond is like a brother to me, and I will defend him with my life if need be. But Glorfindel is my lover and bonded mate, not Elrond.”

Elrond chuckled. “Erestor, why don’t you tell Legolas how Glorfindel came to be your bonded mate? I am certain Legolas would find that highly amusing.”

Erestor’s blush deepened. “Must I?”

“Do share,” said Legolas, scooting closer. “I am curious.”

Realizing he had no way out, Erestor began to tell the tale.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Why was it taking his guards so long to find the human trader? How hard could that be? Glorfindel marched down the corridors, having joined his men in their search as well. Tharbad was leading the second search party, which concentrated on searching the gardens and stables, whilst Glorfindel was searching the remaining buildings. /The Man does not know his way about here. So how can he hide so effectively from us?/

/Do you not think this is rather easy?/ said that irritating voice in the back of his mind. /A murder is committed, you assume it is the human trader and now he is nowhere to be found? Did the Man strike you as that intelligent?/

/Nay, he did not./ Glorfindel rubbed his brow. /But it must be him!/

“Lord Glorfindel? Captain? We found something!”

Glorfindel hurried over to the guard’s side, who now pointed at a fallen form huddled in the shadows. His keen Elven eyes immediately identified the crumbled form. “It is the Man.” Sitting on his heels, he turned the form over. “And he is dead.” A dagger was stuck in the human trader’s throat. Stupefied, Glorfindel stared at the corpse.

/Too easy,/ said that little voice again.

Glorfindel studied the angle with which the dagger had entered the human’s throat and reached the conclusion that the Man hadn’t committed suicide as he had first thought. “He was murdered as well.”

Elladan, who had joined the search party, now came to stand behind the Captain. “Then maybe he did not kill Narwain. And if he did not, then who did?”

“This is a distraction,” realized Glorfindel, wide-eyed. Looking at Elladan, he nodded fervently. “The real murderer used the Man to distract us, knowing we would search for him.”

“But the murderer probably didn’t think we would find the human this quickly.” Elladan’s voice took on an alarming edge. “Glorfindel…”

“Erestor… He is going after Erestor!” The blond jumped to his feet and ran down the corridor, closely followed by Elladan and heading for Elrond’s chambers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although he missed Glorfindel terribly, Erestor felt comfortable and at home in Elrond and Legolas’ company. The two Elves had made themselves comfortable in front of the fireplace, whilst he remained curled up on the couch. It was nice to see Elrond happy again after centuries of loneliness and he hoped fervently that Thranduil wouldn’t cause trouble. The letter had been dispatched and all Elrond and Legolas could do now was wait for a reply.

Legolas’ senses were on full alert, and therefore he was the first to detect motion in the corridor. Sitting upright, he momentarily ignored Elrond’s questioning glace and gestured for him to remain quiet. He reached for his long knives and soundlessly stalked over to the doorway.

Erestor uncurled himself, pushed the blanket from his form and exchanged a worried look with Elrond, only now realizing the half-Elf was injured and at a disadvantage when it came down to a fight.

“It is I, Tharbad. I am here to take Chief Counselor Erestor back to his rooms.”

Legolas frowned; he would have expected Glorfindel to collect Erestor personally. Trusting his instincts, he kept one knife carefully concealed behind his back when he opened the door. The golden-haired Elf entered and bowed, but Legolas remained alert. Something was wrong with this situation.

“Lord Glorfindel caught the human trader, who admitted the foul deed,” said Tharbad, his green eyes singling out Erestor. “And he wants you to know that it is safe to return to your rooms. He sent me to escort you.”

Erestor slowly got to his feet, folding the blanket neatly before placing it back onto the couch again. Seeing Elrond was struggling to rise from the floor, he quickly went over to the half-Elf to assist him.

“Thank you,” grinded Elrond through his teeth. He placed one hand against the wall and looked at Tharbad. “Where is the prisoner now?”

“In the holding cells, my Lord.” Tharbad advanced on Erestor. “Please follow me, my Lord Councilor.”

The hair at the back of Legolas’ neck stood upright, hearing the venom in Tharbad’s voice, which the warrior failed to hide. Legolas gripped his knife tightly, knowing he had to act *now*. “Lord Erestor will stay here until your Captain comes for him personally.” Both Erestor and Elrond shot him surprised looks, but Legolas didn’t pay them much attention, slowly moving in front of Erestor so Tharbad no longer had easy access to the advisor. “Call me cautious, call me paranoid, but I won’t let Erestor leave until Glorfindel comes to collect him in person!”

Tharbad’s green eyes darkened. “Do you distrust me? I am Lord Glorfindel’s second in command and he gave me this order!”

“Then tell your Captain to collect Erestor personally.” Legolas caught sight of Elrond’s gaze and read sudden understanding in the gray eyes.

“Erestor, move toward me,” commanded Elrond, reaching for the sword, which he kept above the fireplace. It was the same sword that had kept him safe during that great battle at the slopes of Mount Orodruin.

Erestor blinked, confused. “Why?”

Tharbad charged that moment. He drew his sword and stormed toward Erestor. “You took him away from me!”

Erestor felt paralyzed. Although he knew he should be moving out of harm’s way, his body refused to move. /I took him away from you?/ Who was Tharbad referring to?

“When I kill you he will be mine again!” Tharbad’s sword would have cleaved Erestor’s head in two, hadn’t it been for Elrond, who blocked that blow. At the same time, Legolas moved forward, and threw him against the wall.

“Keep back!” called out Legolas, afraid Elrond might get involved in the fight as well. He couldn’t allow that as the half-Elf was still injured.

Elrond reached for Erestor in search of support. Erestor moved toward the half-Elf and locked eyes with him. “Give me the sword. I can defend us.”

Elrond was inclined to deny Erestor, but Legolas could use some help, as Tharbad was putting up quite a fight. Recalling the disappointment Erestor had felt at the way Ereinion had treated him, he reached his decision and pressed his sword into Erestor’s hand. “But you will stay here, at my side!”

Erestor nodded. He would defend Elrond if Legolas failed in restraining Tharbad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Faster! We need to be faster!” The palms of Glorfindel’s hands had turned cold and sweaty, hearing commotion coming from Elrond’s rooms. /Please, Elbereth, let me arrive there in time!/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas didn’t see the blow coming. When Tharbad’s fist impacted with his temple, he collapsed onto the floor, moaning softly. Unconscious, he no longer presented a barrier between Tharbad and Erestor.

“Glorfindel is mine. He always was and you took him away from me! It is beyond me how he can find comfort and pleasure in laying with someone as cold and arrogant as you,” spat Tharbad angrily, advancing on Erestor. “I am taking him back today.”

Erestor didn’t waste his energy on replying. Instead, he tried to remember the new moves Glorfindel had taught him during their sparring sessions.

“Be careful,” whispered Elrond. “A crazed warrior is dangerous!”

Did Elrond think he didn’t know that? Erestor didn’t even bother to nod, instead he studied his opponent. “You murdered Narwain.”

“Aye, I thought he was you… Now I am here to render that mistake.” Tharbad continued to advance on Erestor, grinning victoriously. “You do not stand a chance against a real warrior, advisor.”

Erestor didn’t let the remark get to him and parried the first stinging blow. From the corner of his eye, he saw Elrond stumble over to Legolas to check on the blond. In the doorway, Glorfindel and Elladan appeared unexpectedly and his heart beat wildly, realizing his lover was about to distract Tharbad and to draw the fight toward him. “Nay! I can do this!” He had to do this, had to prove himself. “I can take him!”

Glorfindel wasn’t that convinced, but realized how important this was for Erestor and stepped back, restraining Elladan when the half-Elf lunged for Tharbad. “Give Erestor his chance. It was his assistant Tharbad murdered.”

Erestor’s eyes filled with gratitude, but then he had to concentrate on Tharbad once more as the warrior attacked. Hard blows poured down on him and he managed to hold his own against the seasoned warrior. But as he was unable to mount an attack, he remained stuck in a defensive position and it began to wear him down. Looking at Glorfindel, he read the expression in the azure eyes.

/You proved you can defend yourself,/ said those blue eyes, /but do you really want to endanger our love by being this stubborn? He will wear you down and strike you down eventually. Let me handle this. I am Captain here. This is my job./

And finally Erestor understood; understood that Glorfindel didn’t want to smother him with protectiveness and that letting his lover handle this didn’t lessen his self-worth. Nodding, he gave Glorfindel permission to do his job.

Glorfindel acted at once and charged. “Capture him alive!” he called out when Elladan joined him. Together, they quickly mastered Tharbad and the murderer’s sword dropped onto the floor with a heavy thud. “Take him to the holding cells and make certain he does not escape.”

“I will see to that personally,” said Elladan, grimly. Tharbad had taken the life of an Elf and a human and had proven how dangerous he was. “He won’t trick us again.”

Tharbad’s eyes burned with venom when they locked with Glorfindel’s. “I did this for you!”

Glorfindel gestured for Elladan to take their prisoner away, not interested in hearing Tharbad’s raving.

“How do you fare, Legolas?” Elrond had pulled Legolas into an upright position and examined the blond’s eyes, which were misted over.

“I do not feel well…” Legolas quickly covered his mouth with a hand, as nausea rose in his stomach. “Bathroom,” he managed to choke out.

“Glorfindel, help me!” Frustrated, Elrond handed Legolas over to Glorfindel, who quickly guided the injured Woodland Elf into the bathroom, where Legolas emptied his stomach. “The room is spinning.”

Glorfindel nodded once. “You took quite a blow then. Why do you not lie down and rest? I am certain Elrond will want to examine you further.” Carefully, he led Legolas into the bedroom again and eased him down onto the couch.

Elrond shuffled over to them and seated himself near Legolas’ head, which he gently pulled into his lap. “I will look after him. You should take care of Erestor.”

Erestor stood bewildered in the middle of the room with Elrond’s sword still in his hand and Glorfindel quickly walked over to him. “The fight has ended.” He managed to uncurl Erestor’s fingers and to free the sword from the advisor’s crushing hold. “Come with me, love.”

Erestor blinked. “Love?” Had Glorfindel ever called him that before? He would surely remember if the blond had. “Love?” Questioning eyes focused on Glorfindel’s blue ones. “Did you really call me that?”

Glorfindel guided Erestor over to Elrond’s bed, where he sat the dark-haired Elf down. “Aye, I did. I was so scared I would lose you when Tharbad charged and you wouldn’t accept my help. I died again, imaging your dead form on the floor, like Narwain’s, bereft of life, love and emotion. It was then when I realized just how much I have come to care about you. I love you, Erestor.”

Erestor laughed, nervously. He was still highly strung from the adrenaline that had coursed through his veins only a moment ago and now Glorfindel had finally said the words he had always wanted to hear. “Are you certain? Do you love me?”

“Oh, I do,” sighed Glorfindel, leaning in closer to kiss Erestor.

Erestor surrendered to the kiss, thanking the Valar for watching over him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“They are kissing,” observed Legolas, who still felt a bit dizzy.

“Aye, I heard Glorfindel confess his love to Erestor,” said Elrond, happily.

“And what about me? Do I get a kiss as well? I went down defending Erestor and you.” Legolas raised his hand, unsteadily, and caressed Elrond’s face. “Do you not agree I deserve a kiss too?”

“You deserve a lot more than just a kiss,” whispered Elrond, adoringly. Bowing down, he claimed Legolas’ lips, determined to fight for their love, even if Thranduil disapproved of their relationship. Legolas would be his – for all eternity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“How do you fare this morn?” Elrond had watched Legolas carefully during the night, worried that the head injury might cause complications. The fair Elf lay safely nestled in his arms and Elrond gently pressed a kiss to the nape of Legolas’ neck after brushing aside the blond hair.

“My head still throbs slightly,” admitted Legolas, knowing he should tell the healer the truth. “But my stomach has settled down and the vertigo has also lessened.” Waking up in Elrond’s arms was pure bliss, and although he respected Elrond’s wish not to deepen their physical relationship until they had heard from Thranduil, he wished he could turn around and make love to the half-Elf. But then again, just lying in bed like this and being held so tightly was nice too.

“I will have to leave your side shortly,” said Elrond, regretfully. “I need to prepare Tharbad’s trial. It is still beyond me how he could commit two murders like that.”

“He lost his mind,” whispered Legolas, closing his eyes as Arien’s rays sneaked up on him as the light still hurt. “From what I gathered he felt Glorfindel belonged to him and not Erestor. He was convinced Glorfindel was his lover.”

Elrond sighed, deeply. “But that does not excuse those two murders.”

“I never said it did. I am merely trying to explain to you why he acted in that way.” Legolas slowly moved in Elrond’s embrace until he had rolled onto his other side. His eyes opened slightly to look at the half-Elf, who was naked except for his sleeping trousers. Running long fingers down Elrond’s chest, he smiled, ruefully. “I want to make love to you.”

“You are in no condition to do that,” pointed Elrond out to him. “Your head still throbs and you gave me your word to await your father’s reply to my letter.”

“Would you mind if I wrote him a letter as well? Maybe he will be more inclined to agree if I tell him personally how much I want you.”

“By all means, go ahead,” said Elrond, softly nuzzling Legolas’ throat. “Oh, this is torture!”

“You are the one insisting we should wait! I would gladly make love with you here and now!” Legolas purred to stress his words.

“We cannot do that. Thranduil would never forgive us if we proceeded without his blessing. You know that.” Elrond leaned in closer and kissed Legolas gently on the lips, keeping in mind that the younger Elf was still injured.

Legolas growled softly when Elrond broke off their kiss. “Will I see you at all today?”

“You will see me at dinner, my beloved.” Elrond regretted letting go of the warm body in his arms, but it was time to bathe and get dressed. It wouldn’t be long before Erestor would be knocking on his door.

Legolas propped himself up on his elbow and watched Elrond carefully get to his feet. He immediately noticed the slight flinch the half-Elf tried to hide as he put his weight experimentally on his broken foot. “You should rest, not walk about.”

“I do not have that luxury.” Elrond managed to reach the bathroom, where he quickly washed up and dressed in formal robes. Reaching for the walking cane that Elrohir had brought him, he returned to the bedroom. Legolas had kicked off the silken sheet and lay there naked and very aroused. “You are doing that on purpose!” Elrond almost drooled, seeing Legolas wrap his fingers around his weeping member and stroke slowly. “Argh!”

Legolas grinned, wickedly. “It might be weeks before my father’s reply reaches us. Do you really want to wait that long?” Moaning softly, he imagined Elrond’s hands on him, bringing him to orgasm. Through half-closed eyelids, he easily caught Elrond’s blush and he distinctively heard the half-Elf curse when he turned and stumbled out of the room.

Easing down on the bed once more, Legolas closed his eyes, thinking of Elrond moving needily beneath him. That thought caused him to climax and warm cream dripped from the slit. Feeling satiated – but also dizzy again – he decided to be lazy for once and snuggled beneath the sheet again, dreaming of *his* Elrond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You look grumpy today.” Erestor raised an eyebrow at Elrond’s muttering. “I thought you would be happy everything turned out that well.” They were working in Elrond’s study, trying to decide what Tharbad’s punishment should be, which wasn’t as easy as they had originally thought.

“Well, you do not have a hungry, horny Woodland Elf in your bed!” Elrond’s eyes widened, realizing what he had let slip. “Oh, I did not mean it that way!”

Erestor laughed, warmly. “You are quite right, I do not, Elrond. But therefore I have an utterly romantic Balrog Slayer in my bed, whose appetite is… insatiable since he found out he loved me.”

Elrond’s eyes softened until they glowed softly. “Are you happy, Erestor?”

“Aye, I am.” But then a shadow crept into the brown eyes. “But…”

“Narwain,” said Elrond, understanding his friend’s sorrow. “His death was so unnecessary.” He had seen the funeral pyre burn this very morning and had kept his distance, seeing Erestor succumb to his grief and crying openly whilst Glorfindel had supported the advisor. “His death was not your fault, my friend. Tharbad lost his mind.”

“What do we do with him?” Erestor’s voice hardened and turned bitter. “Do we let him live?”

“We cannot end his life,” said Elrond, thoughtfully. “That would make us murderers and kinslayers in turn. I need more time to think this over.”

Erestor nodded once. “I wish I could bring Narwain back. I never told him that he had become a friend.”

“He is in the Halls of Waiting now,” offered Elrond. “Maybe the Valar will allow him to be reborn when the time comes.” As Erestor was standing relatively close to him, Elrond reached out, took hold of his advisor’s wrist and pulled him close. “Let him go, Erestor. Give Narwain his peace and in doing so you will find yours.”

“I will,” promised Erestor in an emotional tone, “I will – in time.”